Everything you need to know

A female orgasm can be a highly pleasurable experience during masturbation or sexual activity. Male-dominated norms mean much about the female orgasm remains misunderstood, and harmful myths persist.

In this article, we look at why female orgasms occur and what happens during an orgasm. We also debunk some common misconceptions.

Share on PinterestAn orgasm can cause intense pleasure, which may have its own benefits.

The benefits of the male orgasm are clear. Men must ejaculate to deposit sperm in the vagina, possibly leading to pregnancy. The male orgasm, therefore, serves a clear evolutionary purpose.

The purpose of the female orgasm is less clear. Researchers have suggested numerous potential benefits, but few have been rigorously tested, and no theory has conclusive scientific support.

Not everything the body does has a clear purpose, however. Scientists have not discovered the evolutionary benefits of some traits that have persisted in humans.

A 2016 study argues that the female orgasm may have no obvious evolutionary benefit and that it may be a relic of a time when the hormones associated with orgasm were necessary for a woman to ovulate.

Since there was no evolutionary need to eliminate the female orgasm, it persisted even when it was no longer necessary for fertility.

Orgasm may serve important purposes, however. The pleasure it can cause can encourage females to have sex. This may also promote bonding with a sexual partner, which does have significant evolutionary benefits.

During arousal, blood flow to the genitals increases, causing them to become more sensitive.

As arousal increases, a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate may also increase. As orgasm approaches, the muscles may twitch or spasm. Many women experience rhythmic muscle spasms in the vagina during an orgasm.

Several researchers have proposed that sexual response follows specific stages, though their theories about these stages differ.

Still, most theories include the following stages:

• excitement, during which arousal builds
• plateau, during which arousal increases and levels off
• orgasm, which causes intense feelings of pleasure
• resolution, during which arousal diminishes

Many females are able to have another orgasm after resolution, whereas males usually require a period of rest before having another orgasm.

While the internet is filled with articles promising that orgasms improve skin, hair, and overall health, there is little scientific evidence that orgasms offer any specific health benefits.

Scientists have not identified any evolutionary benefits of female orgasms or found that orgasms improve health.

But orgasms are pleasurable, and pleasure can be its own benefit. Pleasurable sex may improve a person’s mood, relieve stress, boost immunity, and foster better relationships.

Women do not need to orgasm to get pregnant. However, a limited body of evidence suggests that orgasms may boost fertility.

One very small study, for example, measured whether there was better sperm retention after female orgasm. While the results confirmed this, proving that the female body retains sperm better after an orgasm will require larger studies with designs of higher quality.

People hold many misconceptions about female orgasms. Some myths include:

Women who cannot orgasm have psychological problems.

While trauma, relationship issues, and poor mental health can make it more difficult to orgasm, many people with healthy sexual attitudes and good relationships still have difficulties.

An orgasm is both a physical and psychological response, and numerous health problems can make it more difficult to enjoy sex in this way.

Some people struggle to orgasm due to inadequate lubrication. This may happen while taking hormonal birth control, or during or after pregnancy, or due to menopause.

Also, women can experience vulvodynia, which refers to unexplained pain in the vagina or around the vulva. Treating this and other medical conditions may improve sexual pleasure.

Orgasms from penetrative sex are common or the healthiest form of sexual expression.

Self-appointed experts, mostly men, have long told women that they must orgasm from heterosexual intercourse. However, many women can only orgasm from clitoral stimulation.

Sigmund Freud argued that the vaginal orgasm was the superior and more mature orgasm. No evidence supports this claim.

Women cannot have vaginal orgasms.

While vaginal orgasms are less common than those from clitoral stimulation, some women have them — with or without other stimulation.

The female orgasm can result from many types of stimulation, including vaginal, clitoral, and nipple contact.

Not everyone orgasms from the same type of stimulation.

Women need to be in love to orgasm.

Orgasm is a complex psychological and biological experience — reaching and experiencing orgasm is not the same for every woman. Some women may need to feel love to orgasm, while others may not.

A person’s relationship with their partner may or may not influence their ability to orgasm during sex.

A 2018 study found that 86% of lesbian women said they usually or always orgasm during sex, compared to just 66% of bisexual women and 65% of heterosexual women.

Participants were more likely to orgasm frequently if they:

• received more oral sex
• had longer-lasting sex
• reported higher relationship satisfaction
• asked for what they wanted in bed
• engaged in sexual emails or calls
• expressed love during sex
• acted out sexual fantasies
• tried new sexual positions

A partner can tell if a woman has had an orgasm.

There is no way to tell if a woman has had an orgasm without asking her. Some people make noises during an orgasm, while others are silent. Some flush or sweat after an orgasm, but others do not.

A person who wants to know if their partner has had an orgasm can ask without being confrontational.

If the answer is no, avoid judgment, anger, or feelings of inadequacy — these can put pressure on the person to orgasm, which can lead to anxiety and make it more difficult. Instead, discuss whether they would prefer a different approach to sex.

Being unable to orgasm is a common issue, and it can occur for a variety of reasons. Some people may not receive the right kind of stimulation during sex, while others may have experienced trauma linked to sex. Others may simply be uninterested.

A 2018 analysis of 135 prior studies identified several factors that increase the risk of sexual dysfunction, including:

• relationship problems
• stress
• mental health issues
• poor physical health
• genitourinary issues, such as pelvic pain
• a history of abortion
• a history of female genital mutilation
• sexual abuse
• being religious, perhaps due to sexual shame and stigma

The same study identified several modifiable risk factors that improve sexual experience, including:

• exercise
• daily affection from a partner
• a positive body image
• sex education
• intimate communication with a partner

Masturbation can help a person find what feels good to them. Some other strategies that might help include:

• using sexual lubricants to make sex more comfortable
• asking a partner to stimulate the clitoris during sex
• masturbating during sex
• discussing fantasies with a partner
• telling a partner if something does not feel good

The aforementioned 2018 study that compared orgasm frequency among people of various sexual orientations in the United States found that the following behaviors during sex increase the likelihood of women having an orgasm:

• deep kissing
• genital stimulation during vaginal intercourse
• oral sex

If self-help strategies do not work, a doctor who specializes in sexual dysfunction may be able to identify a problem, if there is one.

Many medical issues can make having an orgasm difficult, including:

• a lack of lubrication
• hormonal imbalances
• pelvic pain
• muscle dysfunction
• a history of trauma

When trauma or relationship problems make having an orgasm difficult, or when a person feels ashamed of sex or their desires, individual or couples counseling can help.

Serious scientific research into the female orgasm is relatively recent. Even some doctors may still believe myths about the female orgasm or think that it is unimportant to the female sexual experience.

This means that many people may have trouble accessing reliable information about orgasms.

A competent, compassionate medical professional can help a person understand the process of orgasm and identify potential barriers to sexual satisfaction.

There is no right way to orgasm and no correct way to feel about sex. People should pursue what feels good to them.

Everything you need to know

A female orgasm can be a highly pleasurable experience during masturbation or sexual activity. Male-dominated norms mean much about the female orgasm remains misunderstood, and harmful myths persist.

In this article, we look at why female orgasms occur and what happens during an orgasm. We also debunk some common misconceptions.

Share on PinterestAn orgasm can cause intense pleasure, which may have its own benefits.

The benefits of the male orgasm are clear. Men must ejaculate to deposit sperm in the vagina, possibly leading to pregnancy. The male orgasm, therefore, serves a clear evolutionary purpose.

The purpose of the female orgasm is less clear. Researchers have suggested numerous potential benefits, but few have been rigorously tested, and no theory has conclusive scientific support.

Not everything the body does has a clear purpose, however. Scientists have not discovered the evolutionary benefits of some traits that have persisted in humans.

A 2016 study argues that the female orgasm may have no obvious evolutionary benefit and that it may be a relic of a time when the hormones associated with orgasm were necessary for a woman to ovulate.

Since there was no evolutionary need to eliminate the female orgasm, it persisted even when it was no longer necessary for fertility.

Orgasm may serve important purposes, however. The pleasure it can cause can encourage females to have sex. This may also promote bonding with a sexual partner, which does have significant evolutionary benefits.

During arousal, blood flow to the genitals increases, causing them to become more sensitive.

As arousal increases, a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate may also increase. As orgasm approaches, the muscles may twitch or spasm. Many women experience rhythmic muscle spasms in the vagina during an orgasm.

Several researchers have proposed that sexual response follows specific stages, though their theories about these stages differ.

Still, most theories include the following stages:

• excitement, during which arousal builds
• plateau, during which arousal increases and levels off
• orgasm, which causes intense feelings of pleasure
• resolution, during which arousal diminishes

Many females are able to have another orgasm after resolution, whereas males usually require a period of rest before having another orgasm.

While the internet is filled with articles promising that orgasms improve skin, hair, and overall health, there is little scientific evidence that orgasms offer any specific health benefits.

Scientists have not identified any evolutionary benefits of female orgasms or found that orgasms improve health.

But orgasms are pleasurable, and pleasure can be its own benefit. Pleasurable sex may improve a person’s mood, relieve stress, boost immunity, and foster better relationships.

Women do not need to orgasm to get pregnant. However, a limited body of evidence suggests that orgasms may boost fertility.

One very small study, for example, measured whether there was better sperm retention after female orgasm. While the results confirmed this, proving that the female body retains sperm better after an orgasm will require larger studies with designs of higher quality.

People hold many misconceptions about female orgasms. Some myths include:

Women who cannot orgasm have psychological problems.

While trauma, relationship issues, and poor mental health can make it more difficult to orgasm, many people with healthy sexual attitudes and good relationships still have difficulties.

An orgasm is both a physical and psychological response, and numerous health problems can make it more difficult to enjoy sex in this way.

Some people struggle to orgasm due to inadequate lubrication. This may happen while taking hormonal birth control, or during or after pregnancy, or due to menopause.

Also, women can experience vulvodynia, which refers to unexplained pain in the vagina or around the vulva. Treating this and other medical conditions may improve sexual pleasure.

Orgasms from penetrative sex are common or the healthiest form of sexual expression.

Self-appointed experts, mostly men, have long told women that they must orgasm from heterosexual intercourse. However, many women can only orgasm from clitoral stimulation.

Sigmund Freud argued that the vaginal orgasm was the superior and more mature orgasm. No evidence supports this claim.

Women cannot have vaginal orgasms.

While vaginal orgasms are less common than those from clitoral stimulation, some women have them — with or without other stimulation.

The female orgasm can result from many types of stimulation, including vaginal, clitoral, and nipple contact.

Not everyone orgasms from the same type of stimulation.

Women need to be in love to orgasm.

Orgasm is a complex psychological and biological experience — reaching and experiencing orgasm is not the same for every woman. Some women may need to feel love to orgasm, while others may not.

A person’s relationship with their partner may or may not influence their ability to orgasm during sex.

A 2018 study found that 86% of lesbian women said they usually or always orgasm during sex, compared to just 66% of bisexual women and 65% of heterosexual women.

Participants were more likely to orgasm frequently if they:

• received more oral sex
• had longer-lasting sex
• reported higher relationship satisfaction
• asked for what they wanted in bed
• engaged in sexual emails or calls
• expressed love during sex
• acted out sexual fantasies
• tried new sexual positions

A partner can tell if a woman has had an orgasm.

There is no way to tell if a woman has had an orgasm without asking her. Some people make noises during an orgasm, while others are silent. Some flush or sweat after an orgasm, but others do not.

A person who wants to know if their partner has had an orgasm can ask without being confrontational.

If the answer is no, avoid judgment, anger, or feelings of inadequacy — these can put pressure on the person to orgasm, which can lead to anxiety and make it more difficult. Instead, discuss whether they would prefer a different approach to sex.

Being unable to orgasm is a common issue, and it can occur for a variety of reasons. Some people may not receive the right kind of stimulation during sex, while others may have experienced trauma linked to sex. Others may simply be uninterested.

A 2018 analysis of 135 prior studies identified several factors that increase the risk of sexual dysfunction, including:

• relationship problems
• stress
• mental health issues
• poor physical health
• genitourinary issues, such as pelvic pain
• a history of abortion
• a history of female genital mutilation
• sexual abuse
• being religious, perhaps due to sexual shame and stigma

The same study identified several modifiable risk factors that improve sexual experience, including:

• exercise
• daily affection from a partner
• a positive body image
• sex education
• intimate communication with a partner

Masturbation can help a person find what feels good to them. Some other strategies that might help include:

• using sexual lubricants to make sex more comfortable
• asking a partner to stimulate the clitoris during sex
• masturbating during sex
• discussing fantasies with a partner
• telling a partner if something does not feel good

The aforementioned 2018 study that compared orgasm frequency among people of various sexual orientations in the United States found that the following behaviors during sex increase the likelihood of women having an orgasm:

• deep kissing
• genital stimulation during vaginal intercourse
• oral sex

If self-help strategies do not work, a doctor who specializes in sexual dysfunction may be able to identify a problem, if there is one.

Many medical issues can make having an orgasm difficult, including:

• a lack of lubrication
• hormonal imbalances
• pelvic pain
• muscle dysfunction
• a history of trauma

When trauma or relationship problems make having an orgasm difficult, or when a person feels ashamed of sex or their desires, individual or couples counseling can help.

Serious scientific research into the female orgasm is relatively recent. Even some doctors may still believe myths about the female orgasm or think that it is unimportant to the female sexual experience.

This means that many people may have trouble accessing reliable information about orgasms.

A competent, compassionate medical professional can help a person understand the process of orgasm and identify potential barriers to sexual satisfaction.

There is no right way to orgasm and no correct way to feel about sex. People should pursue what feels good to them.

8 reasons to have an orgasm every day

18+

Eight reasons why you should not shirk sex and what benefits a woman brings an orgasm. Regular sex not only makes us more beautiful, but happier and healthier.

Tags:

Women Health

Orgasm

18+

Happy woman

only benefit

Big savings on beauticians and cosmetics

Guessing a happy woman who reached the pinnacle of pleasure last night is not so difficult: her skin is radiant, her smile does not fall off her face, and stars shine in her eyes. For all this, you can express the highest gratitude to your lover – his talent helps a woman produce estrogen during sex – a beauty hormone.

Fitness in your bed

The same estrogen produced during active sex helps to maintain an appetizing shape in decent condition. In just half an hour (some half an hour) of having sex, partners can contribute to weight loss – about 200 calories are burned. If you recalculate to the currency of the gym, then half an hour of sex is equal to 15 minutes of running. Instead of cardio exercises in the morning, how do you like this idea?

An increase in the army of admirers

“Trouble does not come alone,” says an old proverb. Indeed, where there is one man, there, according to statistics, a couple more charming guys walk nearby. All this is easy to explain: after sex, the body exudes a large amount of pheromones that attract men.

Sleep well and sound

If morning sex is a great replacement for exercise, then sex before bed is the perfect weapon against insomnia. Sex normalizes sleep, allowing you to quickly relieve tension after a working day, relax and fall asleep. Take note!

ADVERTISING – CONTINUED BELOW

Smiles, songs and dances

We don’t know a single woman who has a negative effect on sex. And all because sex is one of the ways to relieve depression, and very effective. In the process of orgasm, such an amount of oxytocin and endorphin hormones are released into the blood that the lucky woman experiences a feeling close to euphoria. In addition, these hormones of joy successfully suppress others – the hormones responsible for the state of stress, improving mood.

Home pharmacy

Sex can even be attributed to natural “grandmother’s” methods of treatment. Do you suffer from frequent headaches or discomfort with PMS? This is not a reason to refuse sex, but on the contrary – a signal to action! All the same endorphins and oxytocins are your helpers in the fight against painful sensations. In addition, they are much more effective than the usual analgin or no-shpa.

Women’s health

A very important factor that cannot be overlooked. Regular and quality sex is the key to good health. Many doctors agree that sex is one of the ways to strengthen the immune system, as the percentage of immunoglobulin A antibodies significantly increases. Yes, sex increases the body’s resistance to viruses. This point is especially worth paying attention to during the transition from winter to spring. All love, all sex.

Why not?

In the end, we don’t see any good reason why a woman can’t orgasm every day and enjoy a healthy sexual relationship. This is at least pleasant, and as a maximum, it has a very beneficial effect on a woman’s life.

Photo: Shutterstock

Was there an orgasm? 5 Signs of True Satisfaction

Let’s start with history. The word “orgasm” has been in the language for a long time. Its origin goes back to Ancient Greece. In a literal translation, the word “orgasm” means “swell with moisture, burning with passion.” From the point of view of physiology, it sounds less poetic: the culmination of sexual intercourse, the highest peak of pleasure.

* * *

Specialists distinguish between several types of orgasm. Although, of course, it should be understood that this division is very conditional. And yet.

The simplest is the genital orgasm. He is also the most common. It is clear that based on the anatomy (genitals – genitals), this type of orgasm manifests itself locally and occurs as a result of contraction with a certain frequency of muscles in the pelvic region.

The genital orgasm is short in time, but felt rather acutely. If we understand the anatomical nuances in more detail, then we should distinguish 3 varieties of genital orgasm: clitoral, vaginal and uterine, which, of course, can take place as separate phenomena, or follow each other or even occur almost simultaneously.

A rather rare occurrence is a breast orgasm. And it almost never occurs spontaneously. It is achieved after special exercises that can be learned. As a rule, a chest orgasm occurs against the background of a genital one.

And the most desired one is an orgasm of the whole body. Actually, this should be considered the highest satisfaction, a true orgasm, the very highest peak on which all women strive to be at least once (and ideally, regularly).

This orgasm is long, steady and incredibly strong. His plume even the next day responds with a pleasant languor throughout the body. And sometimes, even three days later, echoes of such an orgasm are felt.

* * *

Women describe orgasm differently. Pleasant warmth spreading through the body. Acute pleasure – sweet, sometimes, to the point of unbearability. An irresistible desire to throw out the emotion outside – into the breath, into the rumbling, into the groaning of the body. One thing is similar in all these descriptions – it is too difficult to find words to express their feelings. But that’s the mystery of the true orgasm, that he, unfortunately or fortunately, can not be expressed in words.

But those specific actions with which women often try to simulate an orgasm, are manifestations of sexual pleasure (or worse, they are a mask for the absence of it): moans, screams, imaginary convulsions, confused rapid breathing. Passionate requests are of the same kind: “Yes, yes! Don’t stop! Oh, how good!”, which in English sounds like: “Yes, yes! Once more! Oh, good!”

Actresses in pornographic and erotic films play the orgasm so spectacularly. And, having apparently seen enough of such scenes on the screen, many women mistakenly take them for a manifestation of a true orgasm – so they imitate in real life what they saw pseudo-passion, deftly played sexual madness. But, alas, too exaggerated, beautifully built, intelligibly filed “orgasmic” behavior, much better, testifies in favor of the simulation.

* * *

True orgasm is determined by only 5 objective signs. And they already, according to experts, it is impossible to simulate.

1. RHYTHMIC PULSE

We are talking about contractions of many muscle groups: vagina, uterus, pelvic floor, anus, abdominals. Moreover, these are, as a rule, muscle contractions spontaneous, but rhythmic, literally with second intervals like a pulsation.

The contractions of the abdominal muscles are clearly visible, and the man feels the contractions of the muscles of the vagina with his own penis, which makes him more excited. Such intensity of contractions cannot be done consciously, it happens on the verge of instinct – just like we pull our hand away from contact with something hot or when we get an electric shock.

2. TRANSLATIONAL BODY MOVEMENTS

When experiencing an orgasm, a woman involuntarily performs sufficiently energetic body movements to bring her erogenous zones closer into contact with the male stimulus. The purpose of such actions is not to allow pauses, not to slow down, to achieve swiftness and an increase in passion until the desired climax occurs.

At these moments a woman is no longer interested in caresses, kisses, or words of love. She will not allow a man to be distracted by all these tendernesses. In anticipation of the explosion, all female nature is concentrated only on physiology.

3. FLUSHES AND ERECTIONS

A true orgasm is always accompanied by flushes of blood to the skin. The forehead, cheeks, chest area turn red. The woman feels hot. Perspiration appears on the body. In the minutes of orgasm, a woman has an erection of her nipples, clitoris, and labia. Even a very experienced lover is unlikely to be able to imitate such a state.

4. VAGINAL DISCHARGE

Excitation of a woman during orgasm reaches such a degree that vaginal discharge is excessive, beyond the physiological need. Moisturizing lubrication and vaginal secretion, sometimes, so much that the abundance of fluid begins to “sound” during intercourse, and immediately after the completion of sexual intercourse, it may even be outside.

5. INVOLVED GRIMACE

All talk about a blissful smile, an unearthly, angelically enlightened expression on the face during orgasm is nonsense! Or the prerogative of beautiful cinema. Bliss comes later, and at the moment of orgasm – it is impossible. Because bliss is given to the face consciously, purposefully.

Whereas during an orgasm a woman is not able to control her facial expressions. The face of a woman experiencing an orgasm (the same, by the way, applies to men) is distorted by an unsympathetic grimace.

This is a kind of instinctive additional effort of the muscles of the face, helping to sink deeper into orgasm and surrender entirely to the highest physiological (actually, animal) pleasure. Well, of course, and not without involving the entire psycho-emotional nature of feeling, which is characteristic exclusively of the human body.

* * *

After a true orgasm, many women are in a state of slight prostration, as if they lose their sense of time and reality.